Techtonic Academy recognized by U.S. DOL as first tech apprenticeship program in state

BOULDER -- Techtonic Academy, a division of Boulder-based Techtonic Group, today announced it has been registered by the United States Department of Labor as part of the national apprenticeship system, becoming the first government-recognized technology apprenticeship program in Colorado.

Techtonic Academy provides underprivileged youth, minorities and veterans both technical training and mentorship to become entry-level software engineers and pursue a robust career in the technology field.

Techtonic Group builds custom software ranging from mobile applications and content-managed websites to new software, and all Techtonic Academy apprentices work side-by-side with Techtonic Group senior developers to gain coding experience on real client projects under careful guidance and supervision while earning a livable salary.

“We developed Techtonic Academy to develop a unique approach to address the shortage of entry-level software developers facing many businesses while providing a path to a technology career for many underserved populations,” said Heather Terenzio, co-founder, CEO and president of Techtonic Academy.

“The continuing positive response we have is overwhelming. This is an incredible honor and confirms our mission and apprenticeship model are viable.”

The Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship, known as ApprenticeshipUSA, offers employers across all industries the tools to develop a highly skilled workforce for their business.

Currently, ApprenticeshipUSA has a network of more than 150,000 employers in more than 1,000 occupations nationwide. Techtonic Academy becomes the first Colorado technology company to join those ranks.

“Colorado has emerged as one of the most innovative business communities in the U.S., and this designation from the Department of Labor — the first in Colorado — is yet another example of the leadership of Colorado entrepreneurs,” said Sumana (Suma) Nallapati, Colorado’s Secretary of Technology and State CIO.